Spicy Kale with Polenta
Crushed red pepper adds a hint of spice and goat cheese mellows out the flavor in this polenta dish.
Ingredients
- 3¼ cup (780 ml) water
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 cup (180 g) polenta, uncooked
- ½ teaspoon salt, optional
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120 g) goat cheese
- 1 ounce (30 g) reduced fat cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, optional
- ¼ cup (30 g) medium onion, peeled. diced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 small garlic clove, peeled
- 8 ounces (225 g) crimini mushrooms
- ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine
- 1 cup (70 g) kale, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Directions
- Bring 3 cups (720 ml) water and thyme to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually add polenta, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to medium; cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until thick, stirring constantly. Discard the thyme sprig.
- Place egg, goat cheese, and cream cheese into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
- Select Variable 1.
- Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 5.
- Blend for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Add the egg mixture to the polenta, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
- Coat an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon polenta into the dish, spreading evenly. Keep warm.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon oil to the pan.
- Add onion, red pepper flakes, garlic and mushrooms. Sauté 10 minutes or until tender.
- Add the wine and cook 2 to 4 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove mushroom mixture from the pan and keep warm.
- Return the pan to medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan.
- Add the remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) water, kale, and remaining salt and pepper.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Top the polenta with the mushroom mixture, kale and toasted pine nuts.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
